Monday Top 10: The Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando

September 22, 2014, 9:04 AM · With the annual Halloween Horror Nights starting up and fans continuing to make their way to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, the Universal Orlando Resort is more popular than ever. This week, let's give a little Monday Top 10 love to UOR and honor the 10 best places to eat in the two Universal Orlando theme parks. Of course, with CityWalk so close to these parks, many fans choose to step outside the gates for dinner, at new spots such as Antojitos and Vivo Italian Kitchen or long-time favorites such as Emeril's Orlando. But if you can't bear to lose even a few minutes of your ride time to go outside the park, here are 10 great options to refuel you during the day at Universal.

10. Captain America Diner
Islands of Adventure

Captain America Diner

While you'll find burgers and chicken sandwiches on the menu, the view might be the best reason to stop and have a bite at Captain America's.

9. Thunder Falls Terrace
Islands of Adventure

Thunder Falls Terrace

Load up like a carnivore-asaurus on barbecue chicken, ribs, and burgers, then wash it all down in a drenching splash from the nearby Jurassic Park ride.

8. Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck
Universal Studios Florida

Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck

Moving beyond typical theme park fare, Bumblebee Man serves up carne asada, chicken, fish, and Korean beef tacos in Springfield USA.

7. Confisco Grille
Islands of Adventure

Confisco Grille

Mythos might get all the attention, but many Theme Park Insiders swear by Confisco Grille for its selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and fajitas.

6. Fast Food Boulevard
Universal Studios Florida

Fast Food Boulevard

If Universal's old motto was "Ride the Movies," Fast Food Boulevard allows you to "Eat the TV Show," by tasting for yourself some of the iconic foodstuff from The Simpsons, including Krusty Burgers and Flaming Moes.

5. The Three Broomsticks
Islands of Adventure

The Three Broomsticks

Hogsmeade Village's eatery transports you to the Wizarding World with favorites such as fish and chips, roasted chicken, and, of course, Butterbeer.

4. The Leaky Cauldron
Universal Studios Florida

The Leaky Cauldron

Diagon Alley's eatery offers British pub favorites in a stunning room that recreates the local that bridged London and the Wizarding World. Try something from the drinks menu, such as Fishy Green Ale or Wizard's Brew.

3. Finnegan's Bar and Grill
Universal Studios Florida

Finnegan's Bar and Grill

For the Muggle pub experience, many Theme Park Insiders adore Finnegan's, a table-service restaurant that served much of the fare you'll find on The Leaky Cauldron's menu since long before Universal got the rights to a certain wizard.

2. Lombard's Seafood Grille
Universal Studios Florida

Lombard's Seafood Grille

Universal Studios Florida's top table-service restaurant serves a variety of fried seafood, salads, burgers, and a lobster roll. You can get a reserved space to watch the park's evening lagoon show, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular, with a special dinner package.

1. Mythos Restaurant
Islands of Adventure

Mythos Restaurant

They love us. We love them. Mythos continues to impress for its value. Located inside an impressive cavern on the shore of the park's lagoon, Mythos serves salads, burgers, steak, fish, and a pasta and a risotto of the day on its seasonally changing menu.

What's your favorite thing to eat at the Universal Orlando Resort?

Replies (12)

September 22, 2014 at 10:03 AM · WE were there last November. Mythos and Lombards were great, but Finnigans was a disapointment. They got the order wrong, service was slow and food was just OK. Looking to go again next year and will try new places.
September 22, 2014 at 10:07 AM · I basically agree with your rankings, though I wouldn't have number 10 on my list. We were very pleased with the Leaky Cauldron. Generally I don't care much for United Kingdom food(but I love the Brits, Scots & Welsh people), but the Leaky Cauldron menu was decent. We ate there two times and the food was quite good with good value for the price. And, of course, like the rest of Diagon Alley, the restaurant is very authentic. Service is quite fast and the seating system is excellent. It's really like a sit down restaurant but better.Eating at the Cauldron was like visiting the United Kingdom since nearly everyone eating there had an UK accent. Lots of people eating there so it must be doing well...And just a mention for Vivo at Citiwalk, since you mentioned it in your story. We ate there last week and the food was excellent. Prices are very reasonable and the daily specials are adventurous.
September 22, 2014 at 1:09 PM · Great list! I'd have put Confiscos a bit higher on the list -- the food is great and I love the atmosphere.

However, I am very disappointed not to see some love on this list for my favorite counter-service place -- Monsters Cafe :-). I adore it simply for the decor alone -- it's a must-stop location for some rest and people-watching during HHN -- but the food's better than you'd think too.

September 22, 2014 at 3:40 PM · Not surprised you picked Mythos again because your banner is there. That banner is way outdated though.
September 22, 2014 at 7:53 PM · Actually, Anonymous Poster, Robert didn't pick Mythos #1. He's only reporting the average ratings given to the restaurants by the users of this site.
September 23, 2014 at 3:52 AM · Nice save there on us UK'ers Rob ;-) We quite like you too!
Have to say I have never eaten that much in UOR over the years. I am keen to try The Leaky Cauldron and Mythos at some stage.
Finnegans used to be a must do for us, then one year the service was awful (didn't understand me even when I pointed at what I wanted on the menu), the floor was filthy and the food covered in grease.
It just put me off completely.
I have enjoyed a nice leisurely breakfast at Three Broomsticks on an early entry - very nice.

Lets face it though, the only thing I really want to eat is Lard Lad donut's anyway! :-)

September 23, 2014 at 7:03 AM · To the anonymous poster...I don't believe that banner is still hanging at Mythos, and the restaurant has not won the TPI Best Restaurant award for a number of years now. However, amongst all of the restaurants currently in the Universal Orlando parks, it is still far better than the rest. Lombard's is probably the closest, but it is a distant second. Not only does the restaurant have an amazing setting, but it offers a fine-dining feel for very reasonable prices along with a seasonal menu, which is very rare for any theme park restaurant. We try to eat at Mythos every time we visit the parks if we can spare the time, and it would put it up against the best that Disney has to offer in EPCOT, the pinnacle of fine in-park dining.
September 23, 2014 at 7:11 AM · We love Mythos also. It's by far our favorite theme park restaurant. The sign was still up as of last week. It's something I always notice, since I'm a big fan of TPI. The banner does not seem outdated since it states a number of #1 finishes.
September 23, 2014 at 7:19 AM · Nope that banner is still there at Mythos...

But Leaky Cauldron...I'm sure will drop down in the rankings...very overpriced and not as well done as Three Broomsticks.

September 23, 2014 at 10:02 AM · So my interpretation of the ratings suggests that the Bangers and Mash at Finnigans is better than the Leaky Cauldron. I guess I'll find out for myself in 22 days.

It is my impression that Brits go for the food they are familiar with from home when in Orlando. This mainly consists of pubs. I can't say too much because if I was visiting Japan I would be heading to the nearest McDonalds I could find.

As mentioned above, I'm surprised Monsters Cafe didn't make the cut either. Great setting and theme, along with food that is a bit above fast food quality. I really enjoy watching the film clips while eating there too.

September 23, 2014 at 11:51 AM · The three broomsticks is my favorite can't wait to try the new one in march
September 24, 2014 at 6:15 AM · I love the Monsters Cafe too! The last time I was at Universal for Halloween Horror Nights, I ate at the Monsters Cafe three times just to sit in different monster rooms. The little pizzas weren't bad either.

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